Babies and toddlers, like adults, have different body shapes, and some may be stocky while others are slender. If your one-year-old is too thin, you can try increasing her weight by feeding her high-calorie foods that are appropriate for her age. However, if her weight is of concern, consult your pediatrician to verify that your child really is underweight. The average rate of weight gain for a one-year-old is 8 oz. per month.
Step 1
Skip the low-fat fare. Your one-year-old is growing quickly and burning calories, and diet products will not help him put on weight. Whole milk, full-fat yogurt and full-fat cottage cheese are healthy, high-calorie choices. In addition, add a pat of real butter or a spoonful of heavy cream to your one-year-old's potatoes or macaroni and cheese to boost the calorie level.
Step 2
Introduce a new food more than once. It may take up to 10 separate tries with a specific food before your child will take a bite. When you offer a nutritious high-calorie food, such as mashed avocados, don't give up when your toddler shakes her head. Don't force the issue, but continue to offer the new food at mealtime until your tot has a chance to get used to the sight of it and she takes a bite.
Step 3
Provide your child's favorite foods frequently. At one year of age, children can develop a taste for one or two foods that they want to eat to the exclusion of other foods. In time, your child will choose additional foods, but while you're trying to help him put on weight, make sure there is always something on his plate that he likes.
Step 4
Time your child's beverages. Your one-year-old needs plenty to drink, but not right before mealtime. Let her eat her food or a snack and then offer a liquid. Juices and milk are appropriate after she's done eating.
Step 5
Make eating pleasant. Set a mealtime schedule, if possible and turn off the television, take the phone off the hook and relax and enjoy the meal. Position your child's plate in front of him, but don't pressure him to eat. Mealtime anxiety can make a picky eater less likely to eat his food.
Step 6
Offer frequent eating sessions if your one-year-old does not eat much at a single setting. Provide five or more mini-meals, evenly spaced throughout the day. Alternately, offer high calorie, nutritious snacks between meals.
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